10 Wrestlers Whose Rookie Years Exceeded Expectations

Speaking of undefeated streaks, it’s only fair that we now give a mention to Yokozuna.

The 500-plus pounder may not have remained unbeaten for quite as long as Tatanka, but the calibre of opponents and the significance of the matches are far more impressive than those of our previous entry.

Yokozuna made his television debut on the 31st October, 1992 taping of WWF Superstars, defeating Bill Jordan in less than two minutes. From there, he steamrolled his way through any and all challengers, including 29 other men at the 1993 Royal Rumble, putting him on a collision course with Bret Hart for WrestleMania IX.

And technically, he actually managed to preserve his unbeaten run at the biggest show of the year, beating Hart to win the WWF Championship just 155 days after his debut with the company. Seconds later though, Hulk Hogan would come out to ruin the party, overcoming Yoko’ in a spontaneously-arranged squash match.

Nonetheless, 70-days later Yokozuna would recapture the belt, making him a two-time champion and Royal Rumble winner by the end of his rookie year.